Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Matthew 23
Verse by Verse
Matthew 23 Introduction
Matthew 23 Introduction
• It is the week leading up to the crucifixion.
• Jesus is in Jerusalem and knows what is coming.
• His last major public sermon is mainly an attack on religious hypocrisy – and we need to pay attention.
• Hypocrisy is not only found among religious people, but religious people will always be in danger of hypocrisy.
Christ’s Teaching in Matthew
Christ’s Teaching in Matthew
Christ’s Teaching in Matthew:
• Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5 – 7
• Commissioning of the Twelve Matthew 10
• Parables of the Kingdom Matthew 13
• Message on Community Life Matthew 18
• Seven Woes Matthew 23
• Olivet Discourse Matthew 24 – 25
Matthew 23 Key Verses
Matthew 23 Key Verses
• Matthew 23:11-12 (ESV)11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23 Outline
Matthew 23 Outline
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
3. Christ’s Lament 23:37-39
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
• 23:1-3 The scribes and Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you
• They should be respected to point because they teach the Scriptures in the synagogues.
• But Jesus has just started.
• He sees at least five problems and Christians may also fall into these same traps. 1
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
Traps that the Pharisees fell into:
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
Traps that the Pharisees fell into:
1. They didn’t practice what they preached (v.3).
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
Traps that the Pharisees fell into:
1. They didn’t practice what they preached (v.3).
2. They made religion burdensome for others (v.4).
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
Traps that the Pharisees fell into:
1. They didn’t practice what they preached (v.3).
2. They made religion burdensome for others (v.4).
3. They were spiritual showoffs (v.5).
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
An Israeli soldier wearing tefillin or “phylacteries” in Jerusalem.
(from Chabad.org) 2
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
Hasidic men wearing tzitzit or “fringes” – also in Jerusalem.
(from FlashpackingBarbie) 3
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
Traps that the Pharisees fell into:
1. They didn’t practice what they preached (v.3).
2. They made religion burdensome for others (v.4).
3. They were spiritual show offs (v.5).
4. They love to receive honor, especially in titles (vv.6-10).
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
Traps that the Pharisees fell into:
1. They didn’t practice what they preached (v.3).
2. They made religion burdensome for others (v.4).
3. They were spiritual show offs (v.5).
4. They love to receive honor, especially in titles (vv.6-10).
5. They do not grasp God’s heart for ministry (vv.11-12).
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
• Before moving to the next section, let’s go back and read the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount.
• They are found in Matthew 5:2-11.
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
• The Greek word for “Woe!” Is Ouai! It sounds mournful.
• In the Old Testament, the Hebrew is either “Hoy!” or “Oy!”
• These “Woes” are the opposite of the Beatitudes.
• Let’s listen to Jesus.
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
• 23:13 hypocrites The Greek word refers to an actor who, in that culture, was hidden behind a mask.
• With or without the mask, when someone is acting, we do not see the real person.
• We see whatever character they are trying to play.
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
• Five lessons to Learn about hypocritical religion:
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
• Five lessons to Learn about hypocritical religion:
1. It keeps people from the kingdom of heaven and in the end condemns them to hell (vv.13-15).
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
• Five lessons to Learn about hypocritical religion:
1. It keeps people from the kingdom of heaven and in the end condemns them to hell (vv.13-15).
2. It is blind (vv.16-22).
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
• Five lessons to Learn about hypocritical religion:
1. It keeps people from the kingdom of heaven and in the end condemns them to hell (vv.13-15).
2. It is blind (vv.16-22).
3. It tends to be legalistic (vv.23-24).
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
• Five lessons to Learn about hypocritical religion:
1. It keeps people from the kingdom of heaven and in the end condemns them to hell (vv.13-15).
2. It is blind (vv.16-22).
3. It tends to be legalistic (vv.23-24).
4. It can look really good on the outside while being completely corrupt within (vv.25-28).
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
• Five lessons to Learn about hypocritical religion:
1. It keeps people from the kingdom of heaven and in the end condemns them to hell (vv.13-15).
2. It is blind (vv.16-22).
3. It tends to be legalistic (vv.23-24).
4. It can look really good on the outside while being completely corrupt within (vv.25-28).
5. Taken to the extreme, it ends in the persecution of God’s true messengers (vv.29-35).
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
23:36 this generation
• Christ’s words should not be taken as applying to all Jews for all time.
• They are for that generation (or perhaps any other generation of hypocrites) and not a permanent thing.
• They can easily apply to “Christians” today.
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
• Again, the judgment is partial and only temporary.
• Romans 11:25 (ESV)
Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
3. Christ’s Lament 23:37-39
3. Christ’s Lament 23:37-39
• Our grief over sin qualifies us to speak against it.
• Our grief over God’s judgment shows us that we understand how serious it is.
3. Christ’s Lament 23:37-39
• 23:39 You will not see me again until …
• This chapter ends with a promise of Christ’s return.
Matthew 23 What We Just Read
Matthew 23 What We Just Read
1. Hypocrisy 23:1-12
2. Seven Woes 23:13-36
3. Christ’s Lament 23:37-39
Matthew 23 Key Verses
Matthew 23 Key Verses
• Matthew 23:11-12 (ESV)11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23 Key Points
Matthew 23 Key Points
Traps that the Pharisees fell into:
1. They didn’t practice what they preached (v.3).
2. They made religion burdensome for others (v.4).
3. They were spiritual show offs (v.5).
4. They love to receive honor, especially in titles (vv.6-10).
5. They do not grasp God’s heart for ministry (vv.11-12).
Matthew 23 Key Points
Five lessons to Learn about hypocritical religion:
1. It keeps people from the kingdom of heaven and in the end condemns them to hell (vv.13-15).
2. It is blind (vv.16-22).
3. It tends to be legalistic (vv.23-24).
4. It can look really good on the outside while being completely corrupt within (vv.25-28).
5. Taken to the extreme, it ends in the persecution of God’s true messengers (vv.29-35).
Matthew 23 Key Points
• Our grief over sin qualifies us to speak against it.
• Our grief over God’s judgment shows us that we understand how serious it is.
Matthew 23 A Prayer
Matthew 23 A Prayer
• Heavenly Father,
• By listening to Jesus we learn that there is a great danger in hypocritical religion.
• The scribes and Pharisees were guilty of it then, but many besides them have been guilty of it too. Many are still guilty of it now.
• In response we ask you to please show us where the practice of our faith does not measure up to your standards
Matthew 23 A Prayer
• Transform our hearts so that we become people who are inwardly pure.
• Let our love for you and for others cause us to grieve over sin and truly fear the day of your coming judgment.
• And let us always be prepared and eagerly waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• In his name,
• Amen.
Matthew 23 References
1. Green, M. (2001). (p. 241). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
2. Photo from https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1918251/jewish/What-Are-Tefillin.htm
3. Photo from https://flashpackingbarbie.com/2016/10/30/jerusalem-israel/
